3 takes up intelligent network solution from IBM

3 has implemented IBM's smarter analytics solution

Mobile network operator 3 has implemented a smarter analytics solution from IBM to help it maximise its mobile and voice coverage across the country and keep better tabs on its data.

IBM’s Smart Analytics System was less than half as costly as upgrading its existing network intelligence solution would have been, according to Darren Silvester, information management architect at the company. However, he was unwilling to put a specific figure on the solution.

The company had been looking for smart analytics and needed a solution that was scalable, flexible and could support Service Layer access from operational systems, while maintaining a sustainable total cost of ownership. Another requirement was the ability to integrate with its IBM InfoSphere stack.

“Because of the growth in data, and because of the smartphones and other devices entering the market, we needed a solution that was scalable. Some of the volume growths that have been projected are quite staggering,” said Silvester.

He explained that the company needed a solution that supported a service layer because it wanted to leverage the analytics in a near-real-time mode for use in the contact call centre.

"When someone calls the contact centre, we can use this big analytical platform behind us to do near-real-time analysis of what’s happening in the network and arm the call centre agents with a lot more information.”

As a result of implementing the solution, Silvester said that 3 is now able to analyse call problems in several ways. It registers heavy interference or cut outs, according to several criteria, including subscriber, location, time of day, device and service used.

He added that the company is now better able to optimise the current network and rollout and can analyse subscribers by segment, as well as why they leave the network.